Association Between Large Numbers of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Basal Ganglia and Motor Performance in Elderly Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Motor dysfunction is common in the elderly, and is associated with adverse consequences. Enlarged perivascular spaces in basal ganglia (BG-EPVSs) are considered an MRI marker of cerebral small-vessel diseases. However, the consequences of BG-EPVSs are largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the association between large numbers of BG-EPVSs and motor performance. METHODS: We prospectively recruited elderly individuals in the Neurology Department of our hospital from December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022. Participants with >20 BG-EPVSs on the unilateral side of the slice containing the most EPVSs were classified as the BG-EPVS group (n=99) and the rest as controls (n=193). Motor performance was assessed by quantitative gait analysis, Tinetti test, timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed to investigate the association between BG-EPVSs and motor performance. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the BG-EPVS group had lower gait speed and cadence, shorter stride length, longer TUG duration, and lower Tinetti gait test, Tinetti balance test, and SPPB scores (P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that BG-EPVSs were negatively related to gait speed, gait cadence, stride length, and Tinetti gait test, Tinetti balance test, and SPPB scores (ρ= –0.539 to –0.223, P<0.001) and positively related to TUG duration (ρ=0.397, P<0.001). Regression analysis indicated that BG-EPVSs were an independent risk factor of lower gait speed, shorter stride length, poor balance, and poor general physical performance after adjusting for confounders (β= –0.313 to –0.206, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Large numbers of BG-EPVSs were independently related to poor gait, balance, and general physical performance in elderly individuals, which provides information about the consequences of BG-EPVSs and risk factors for motor dysfunction.